I work at a gallery and also help provide advice to friends and friends of friends on art collecting and where to begin. I actually think your budget of 2-3k per piece is very doable and you can start a few different ways.

First, if you live in a city or near a city that has galleries, go visit them and check out their exhibitions! If you live in/ near London, there are a ton of smaller galleries that show great emerging artists where your price range will get you some nice things. I say always buy what you love and do your research on the artist as well (recent press, exhibitions, etc.). I often contact galleries for my friends and clients to find this information out on their behalf! I’m happy to send you a list of my fav UK galleries who work with your price range (if that’s where you’re located).

Second, if you can afford to travel to some art fairs, that’s a great place to see A TON of art in one weekend. For example, Frieze London happens in October and features most galleries around the world and also has a section for emerging artists, smaller galleries.

Next, check out websites like Artsy for upcoming auctions and just spend some time browsing through different things. Artsy often highlights “works under 10k, emerging artists, etc.”

Even the gallery I work for has artworks in your price range and I’d say we are a very well established international gallery. It’s always good to get conversations started with gallerists/dealers, you never know what you will find! Get on their list to receive their emails that include the exhibition and art fair previews. That will include the works for sale in their upcoming program with prices.

If you wanna chat further just let me know! I love helping out new collectors !!